Every day, right here in our community, families are facing what no one should: wondering if they’ll have enough to eat.
When the longest government shutdown in U.S. history stretched on, it created ripples far beyond the halls of politics. One of the hardest-hit programs was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)— a lifeline that helps millions of Americans keep food on the table.
SNAP serves roughly 41 million people nationwide — that’s nearly 1 in 8 Americans. Many of them are children (about 39% of participants), seniors (20%), and people with disabilities (10%).
Here in Maryland — and especially in Allegany County — the impact is close to home. Food insecurity affects about 14.8% of our county’s population (roughly 10,170 people) as of 2021.
Why It Matters
Food insecurity isn’t just about missing a meal — it’s about children going to class hungry, older adults choosing between medicine and groceries, and families in our neighborhoods worrying about tomorrow.
In small towns like Frostburg, those challenges are magnified by limited grocery access and transportation costs. When federal funding shifts or pauses, it doesn’t just affect policy — it affects people.
Local Snapshot:
- In the 2021–22 school year, about 23.0% of middle-school students and 20.2% of high-school students in Allegany County reported experiencing food insecurity.
- In 2022, the average number of SNAP participants in Allegany County was about 15,820 per month (Maryland Hunger Solutions).
What We’re Doing to Help
At Our Neighborhood, we believe that when neighbors struggle, we all feel it — and we all get to show up. That’s why we’ve begun supporting the Maryland Food Bank and highlighting several local organizations that are stepping up for families in our area:
- Food Pantry Interfaith — located at 44 W Main St, Frostburg, MD 21532, monetary donations can be made through the Foundation of Frostburg
- Western Maryland Food Bank — located at 816 Frederick St, Cumberland, MD 21501, you can donate your time or money via check or Paypal
- Allegany College’s The Pantry — located right on campus, The Pantry serves students and community members in need
More Ways to Help
Every small action makes a difference:
- Donate non-perishable foods or set up a monthly contribution.
- Volunteer a few hours at one of the pantries above — every hand helps.
- Share this post to raise awareness about food insecurity in Allegany County.
- Stay informed. Understanding what’s happening helps us stay connected and ready.
Together, We Can Close the Gap
Even before the shutdown, Allegany County’s food insecurity rate was higher than the state average — and recent disruptions only widen the gap. But there’s hope in how our community shows up for one another.
At Our Neighborhood, we’ll continue supporting local efforts that help Maryland families stay fed, cared for, and seen. Because when food becomes uncertain, compassion shouldn’t be.
